A new dermal implant could stop the spread of HIV, while also combating a major problem in the treatment of it – patient adherence.
Scientists at the Oak Crest Institute of Science in California have created an implant, about the size of a matchstick, that delivers potent antiretroviral drugs, according to an article on ScienceBlog.com.
Their research, according to the artcile, was reported in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, and showed promise when it came to stopping the spread of HIV.
But, according to researchers, the implant also helps combat a major issue when treating HIV patients.
"This novel device will revolutionize how we treat or prevent HIV/AIDS as it delivers powerful HIV-stopping drugs and eliminates one of the key obstacles in HIV/AIDS prevention – adherence to proper dosing regimens,” said Dr. Marc Baum, president and founder of Oak Crest. “In clinical trials erratic administration of drugs has led to highly variable efficacy outcomes. That’s what peaked our interest in the possible use of a subdermal implant for the prevention of HIV."
